Many auto insurance companies offer the same types of coverages. And, why not...it's an industry standard format. Fortunately, for us we offer an insurance company that re-evaluates their coverages to offer consumers a product that stands out from the rest.
Every auto insurance company offers a policy with comprehensive (theft) and collision deductibles usually in increments of $250, $500 or $1,000. In addition to the traditional deductible amounts, our Company offers new variations such at $750...$2,500 or $5,000 deductibles. Lower deductibles of $50, $100 or $200 are also available. Keep in mind, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium.
Now, here's a new idea...our company offers Diminishing Deductibles. Here's how it works: You select a deductible amount, let's say $500. You immediately get a $100 deductible credit. For every year that you go without an accident or major violation as well as no policy lapses, your deductible decreases another $100; to a $500 maximum. In this example, your deductible could potentially be $0 after 4 years. If you get into an accident or receive a major violation, then your deductible is reset to the original amount. The immediate $100 deductible credit still applies.
Call / email your agent at 1-888-737-6200 to find out if your policy has the Diminishing Deductible feature. Thanks!
March 2010
Are Group or Individual Medical Plans Better?
It's a sign of the times that businesses are cutting back on their expenses. One such expense is group medical insurance. You may be under the impression that group plans are less expensive than an individual/family plans. Afterall, a large number of people have greater buying power. This is a common misconception. In a group plan, the insurance company is obligated to enroll all the plan members regardless of the health (good or bad) of the people within the group. They price their group plans accordingly and reserve the option of surcharging the plan. However, if the group is very healthy, they may offer a price reduction.
On an individual/family plan, the premium is lower compared to group plans. The main reason is because the plan is medically underwritten. Therefore, depending on your health, you're either placed in a low tier (with low monthly premiums) or a higher tier with higher premiums. It's also possible that coverage can be denied based on your health. Regardless, insurance companies allow you the option of enrolling all the family members that qualify and excluding those who don't qualify for coverage.
We've found that due to businesses downsizing, folks are losing their group plans. People are now gravitating towards the individual and family plans offered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of CA. These companies offer both PPO and HMO plans with low co-payments. Plus, dental and life coverage can be added onto the policy.
If you've found yourself, family, friends or colleagues in this predicament, please contact our services at 1-888-737-6200 or click on the icons below. You'll get valuable assistance from "CA's Friendliest Insurance Service." Thank you.
February 2010
Insurance Claims Alert!!!
Car owners are being aggressively approached by people claiming to fix or replace your vehicle windshields even when there is no damage. These people, called "Glass Harvestors." They are operating at places like car washes, quick marts, oil change facilities and similar places. They may even operate out of their vehicle without having a permanent billing address. They've been known to use other companies business' cards claiming that they are that company. I was personally approached by one at the car wash. They wanted to fill a crack. My vehicle's windshield doesn't have any damage.
The Scam: The harvestor implies that your glass needs to be repaired or replaced and that they can install it for free. They claim all that's needed is for you to provide your insurance card and they promise to take care of everything, including the deductible.
Report a Claim: If/when your vehicle sustains any glass damage always report the claim directly to the insurance company. Do this before initiating any repairs and confirm your coverage, warranty, deductible and possible out-of-pocket expenses.
The Fix: Many times a windshield can simply be repaired instead of being replaced. Sometimes harvestors replace windshields that don't even require a fix.
Shorr Agency, Inc. has begun advertising on TV. We're running two different :30 second commercials on TBS, TNT, Bravo, CNN and the Sci Fi channel. There's several chances to see the commercials as we're running about 400 commercials a month in the Long Beach area.
We invite you to preview the two commercials at our website: http://www.shorr.us/ Both TV commercials are right on the front page in the red section to click on. The voice at the end of
the commercial announcing the phone number is me...Tim Shorr. I was a radio newscaster here in Los Angeles for 5 years.
We welcome your feedback. If the TV spots take off, then we hope to bring them to your area. Thanks and enjoy!
August 2009
Allied Insurance has announced:
Auto:
1. 7% Elite Good Driver discount effective 2/5/07 for drivers without a chargeable accident or violation in the previous 5 years.
2. The elite good driver discount is in addition to the 20% Good Driver discount.
Allied Insurance has announced:
Home:
1. Home insurance rate decrease effective 5/1/07 with an average rate savings of 16%.
2. Increased multi-policy discount (home/auto).
3. New multi-policy discounts for renters.
4. All new discounts including age of insured, marital status, claims free, home renovation and home purchase.
5. FREE Credit Monitoring with purchase of ID Theft Coverage.